Chapter 6 (1/2)

Translator: Jane

ch6

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Chapter 6

He Zhishu was miserable, so he went to the closet, changed clothes and planned to go out. He wrapped the pot of orchids tightly and carried it with his arms. The northern winters are cold and dry, the freezing winds violent. He Zhishu donned his thick jacket and took a taxi to the hospital. Doctor Ai Ziyu was walking back to his office when he saw inside a person heavily wrapped with winter clothing. As he went in the person pulled down his scarf and revealed a thin, pale face.

“h.e.l.lo Doctor Ai.” He Zhishu greeted in a whisper.

Ai Ziyu poured him a cup of hot water. He touched He Zhishu's cold fingers and asked, “Are you still taking the medicine, even on such a cold day?”

“By the way…” He Zhisu smiled and showed Ai Ziyu the pot of orchids. “You can take this back.”

It's been two months since He Zhishu and Ai Ziyu met, and now they've grown familiar with each other. The doctor didn't respond, his slender fingers touching the orchid leaves.

“It's just a pot of flowers. But if you want something else, I'll bring you other plants that you might like?” replied the doctor.

But He Zhishu wasn't in the mood for conversation, or to be making friends. He just smiled and began to discuss business.

“When I got up this morning I vomited blood. When I was younger I drank a lot and felt my stomach bleeding, but this feeling is different. I feel so drain today, as though all my energy has left my body.” said He Zhishu.

Ai Ziyu sat behind his desk, twirling his pen. He Zhishu recognized this behavior of his. The doctor was upset.

“I have been urging you to get chemotherapy, the sooner the better…” said the doctor. “You are already 30 years old, am I correct? You don't seem to be short of money. So why don't you treat yourself?”

“I'm still thinking about it.” He Zhishu replied.

“You only have two months to think about it. Do you still want to rely on medicine to support you at the end of the year?” asked the doctor.

He Zhishu took a sip of hot water. He didn't want to talk about it anymore.

“Do you have the medicine here? I am in pain and I need it.” he asked.

“If you don't agree with the chemotherapy, I won't give you medicine.”

Ai Ziyu was a little angry but he didn't know why.

“I'm going to help you with your bone marrow test. If you don't try to pay attention to your body, no else is going to do it for you!”

He Zhishu was a bit touched, and for the first time in a while his smile was genuine.

“If all doctors are like you, patients would have an easier time dealing with sickness.” he said.